Onco appointment next week - what to expect?

FormerMember
FormerMember
  • 8 replies
  • 283 subscribers
  • 986 views

Feels like I’ve had a long wait but it’s only been 3 weeks since the last appointment (CT results)…I’m due to see the oncologist next week. Just wondering what to expect? I’ve had CT & MR. Will I need any other tests/scans before they start chemo? What sort of timescale have people had before chemo started after that initial onco appointment? I’m hoping I’ll get given some dates so I can start planning around them.

  • Hi

    I'm sorry you find yourself here, but welcome.  As this group is such a busy one, your post has slipped to the next page, so by replying I'm bumping it back up in the hope that someone who knows about chemo. treatments can help you.  (I didn't need chemo.)

    In the meantime whilst you wait for someone on here, this link may be of use to you from MacMillan.

    Kindest wishes, Lesley

    Community Champion Badge

  • It was 2 weeks after my onc appointment that I started chemo. I had to have a heart scan, which was about a week after onc appointment. I got EC-T chemo and they need to check your heart is OK going into that. They also tell you to get a dental check up ahead of chemo as you don't want any brewing infections during chemo.

    I would really recommend taking a notebook. My oncologist did an amazing job telling me all about the chemo and what to expect but it really is a huge amount of information and there is no way I would have remembered half of it!

  • The answers to your questions would depend on the details of the case and on the hospital, but from what I have seen on the forums here so far most people were started on chemo within 10-21 days. When you see the oncologist, ask these questions and any other questions regarding the frequency of treatment and what to expect. 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Beatthebreast

    Thank you for your reply.  It’s a bit frustrating that I can’t take anyone in with me to help remember everything that is said so taking notes is a great idea. I guess I could have a couple more bits to be sorted before it all starts then.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to GreyCats

    Thankyou! 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi I had my oncologist appointment on 15th Oct was aloud to take my partner with me 

    I got a letter soon after with the details of first chemo start date which is next Tuesday 9th November 

    But 2nd November I have a pic line installed and they will introduce me to the chemo suite 

    At some point I will also have my heart checked due to drugs I'm being given.

    Ive decided to also try the cold cap. 

    Good luck with your treatment xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Thankyou Hetty.

    Good luck with your picc line & seeing the chemo suite tomorrow. Sounds like we will be having treatment at a similar time. I think I will also try the cold cap. I hope they might talk me through the pros & cons of it tomorrow at my appointment. I’ve been reading up on a few bits ready so I at least know some of the terminology they might use!

    let me know how it goes!

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    You too Blush x